Healthier English Toffee Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

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It's time to sink your teeth into something delicious! If you're a fan of vegan desserts, these vegan toffee bars are sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy that sweet tooth. Incredibly decadent yet surprisingly easy to make, this foolproof toffee recipe will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for occasions both big and small. Not only do they have all the traditional toffee flavor packed into each bite, but they also have a generous helping of plant-based ingredients that come together perfectly in this scrumptious treat.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Vegan Toffee Recipe

Indulgent- With rolled oats, coconut sugar, and a walnut and chocolate topping, these toffee bars are the perfect sweet treat.

Easy To Make- 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking time, vegan toffee bars can be on the table in no time.

Kid-Friendly- The whole family will love these vegan treats!

Simple Ingredients- You most likely have all the ingredients for these vegan toffee bars in your pantry and refrigerator.

What Are Homemade Toffee Bars?

Toffee bars are a classic dessert that is typically made with butter, sugar, and other ingredients like nuts and dark chocolate. This vegan version takes the traditional recipe and gives it a plant-based makeover using substitutes such as vegan butter and maple syrup. The result is an equally delicious treat that even non-vegans will love!

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Parchment Paper (Optional)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

For The Base

Rolled Oats- Act as a binder for the bars and add texture.

Graham Crackers- Creates a crunchy base for the bars and adds sweetness.

Coconut Sugar- Adds a sweet caramel-like flavor.

Dairy-Free Butter- Vegan butter substitutes traditional butter and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Maple Syrup- Adds sweetness without being overly sugary.

Vanilla Extract- Enhances the flavor of the bars.

Sea Salt- Balances out the sweetness.

For The Topping

Chopped Walnuts- Adds crunch and a nutty flavor to the vegan toffee.

Vegan Chocolate Chips- Creates a delicious chocolate topping.

How To Make Vegan Toffee Bars

To start making toffee bars, preheat the oven to 400F and lightly grease or use parchment paper to line your baking dish. Next, carefully stir the oats, crushed graham crackers, sugar, vegan butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well by hand. Then, pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it in an even layer, pressing firmly into all of the corners.

After baking for around 18 minutes, melt half of the chocolate chips either using a stove or a microwave-safe bowl. Remove from heat, then, sprinkle nuts into the melted chocolate and stir. Once you take out the pan from the oven, immediately pour the walnuts and chocolate evenly on the top and quickly sprinkle chocolate chips over it.

Make sure to wait for the pan to cool completely before you start cutting it into squares. Then, you can serve your sweet and delicious vegan toffee bars. Enjoy!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

If you'd like to give this delicious vegan toffee recipe a unique twist, there are plenty of swaps and additions that you can make. For instance:

  • Use your favorite type of chopped nuts in place of the chopped walnuts. You could use chopped pecans or chopped almonds for added crunch. Alternativily, leave the nuts out completely to make this a nut-free recipe.
  • Switch up the type of melted chocolate you use for something different, like vegan dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
  • Replace the coconut sugar with brown sugar, or organic granulated sugar.
  • Add toppings like coconut flakes, marshmallows, flaky sea salt, or dried fruit!
  • Use coconut oil in place of vegan butter.
  • Line your baking dish with parchment paper instead of greasing it.

Can You Freeze Vegan Toffee Bars?

Yes, you can easily freeze these vegan toffee bars and enjoy them later. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe and airtight container or bag before popping them into the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen vegan toffee bars, simply remove them from the freezer and thaw them at room temperature for about 20 minutes!

Vegan Toffee Bar FAQs

How do I know when the vegan toffee bars are done baking?

Your toffee bars should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the pan to check if it comes out clean. This indicates that your bars are ready!

Are these vegan toffee bars gluten-free?

As written, this delicious recipe is not gluten-free; however, you can easily swap out the rolled oats for a gluten-free version to make it gluten-free.

Can I use different nuts in this vegan toffee bar recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, cashews, or your favorite type of nut. You can even mix and match different types of chopped nuts for an extra special touch.

How long can the vegan toffee be stored?

The vegan toffee bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you would like to store them for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them as mentioned above.

📋 Recipe

Healthier English Toffee Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (3)

Vegan Toffee Bars

Ginny McMeans

So decadent yet surprisingly easy to make, these toffee bars will quickly become a go-to recipe for tantalizing your taste buds and satisfying your sweet tooth.

5 from 5 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Bars

Servings 24 squares

Calories 267 kcal

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 2 ½ cups rolled oats
  • 2 cups graham crackers - crushed
  • 1 cup coconut sugar - you can use packed brown sugar too.
  • ¾ cup dairy free butter - softened
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Topping

  • ½ cup walnuts - chopped
  • 18 ounces chocolate chips - divided 6 ounces and 12 ounces

Instructions

  • Lightly butter a 9" x 13" baking pan.

  • In a Large Mixing Bowl- combine the oats, graham crackers, sugar, vegan butter, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.

  • Mix well by hand.

  • Dump into the prepared pan.

  • Press evenly and firmly into all corners.

  • Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes.

  • Melt 6 ounces of the chocolate chips in a saucepan (you can use a microwave also) ans then stir in the walnuts.

  • Take the pan out of the over and evenly distribute the walnut and chocolate mixture across the top.

  • Immediately sprinkle the rest of the 12 ounces of chocolate chips across the top.

  • The heat will soften the chocolate within 5 to 10 minutes and it will attach to the hot base leaving the nice chips intact.

  • Cool completely.

  • Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

A great dessert or special snack.

TO FREEZE:

After they have cooled you may freeze them in any of the methods shown in my article How to Prepare Food for the Freezer.
They defrost quickly so it really doesn't take any planning. Just put them on a plate for an hour or two and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SquareCalories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 172mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Healthier English Toffee Recipe | Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze toffee? ›

For maximum taste and texture, we do recommend that you either enjoy your toffee immediately, or store it in a refrigerator or freezer. Once opened, unrefrigerated toffee will retain maximum freshness for about a week. Refrigeration adds 3-6 months of shelf life, while freezing adds up to a year or more.

What is the difference between English toffee and regular toffee? ›

English Toffee is a nationwide favorite that is easily made with only a few ingredients. The difference between regular toffee and English Toffee is one important ingredient – butter! I make English Toffee throughout the year for special occasions and it's always a big hit.

How long does homemade toffee last in fridge? ›

Conservatively, our toffee will keep well in the refrigerator for three weeks (take care to guard against moisture getting to it), and three months in the freezer.

Why is my English toffee chewy? ›

Simmering the syrup for English toffee to the requisite 300°F temperature can (and should) be a slow process — up to 20 minutes or so. Don't hurry this gradual transformation; syrup that doesn't reach 300°F, or close to it, will make candy with timid flavor and chewy (not crunchy) texture.

Can you freeze English toffee? ›

Yes, but it needs to be set out of the refrigerator to bring to room temperature before serving. + Can it be frozen? It can.

How long can you freeze toffee? ›

Frozen toffee can last for up to 2-3 months.

Why does the butter separate when making English toffee? ›

If the butterfat separates out then usually this is due to the mixture being either heated or cooled too quickly, which "shocks" the mixture and causes the fat to separate out. It can also be caused by the mixture being heated unevenly (if the pan has a thin base and has hot spots).

Is English toffee same as butterscotch? ›

Toffee vs Butterscotch

While butterscotch is cooked to a soft-crack stage, toffee is produced by allowing that same butter and brown sugar mixture to reach the hard-crack stage. Butterscotch tends to be chewy and pliable; toffee is brittle and more breakable.

What is the difference between taffy and toffee? ›

Is toffee the same as taffy? Taffy is in no way, shape, or form toffee. Taffy describes chewy fruit candies, whereas toffee is closer to caramel.

What can go wrong when making toffee? ›

Stirring too quickly or too often can cause the toffee to separate. Moderate the heat as needed – turn it down if the toffee is boiling or cooking too fast so it doesn't burn. Cook until the toffee registers 285-290 degrees on an instant-read or candy thermometer and is deep amber brown in color, about 20-25 minutes.

Why doesn't my chocolate stick to my toffee? ›

Chocolate that is too hot will not adhere well to the toffee while chocolate that is too cool will be thick and difficult to work with. As the chocolate is cooling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. Working one piece at a time, add a piece of the toffee to the melted chocolate.

How do you fix toffee when butter separates? ›

Sometimes separated toffee or caramel can be saved by removing the saucepan from the heat and stirring constantly until it comes back together into a smooth mixture. Gradually return it to the heat, stirring constantly. You can also try adding a spoonful or two of very hot water to the toffee to help it come together.

Why do you add baking soda to toffee? ›

You might wonder why the toffee recipe includes baking soda. It is added at the end of the boiling stage and creates lots and lots of bubbles. These bubbles help to lighten the texture of the finished toffee, resulting in an easier-to-bite candy.

What kind of pan is best for making toffee? ›

You need a very sturdy pan which is KEY to even heat distribution. Thinner, cheaper pans can scorch the cooking candy and/or cook it unevenly. Here are some great choices: Anolon Nouvelle Copper and Cooks Standard. I own a couple pricier copper pots because of the amount of candy I make.

Does English toffee go bad? ›

In general, toffee has a relatively long shelf life because sugar acts as a natural preservative. When properly stored in a cool, dry place and kept in an airtight container or packaging, toffee can typically remain safe to eat for several months to a year or even longer.

Will toffee harden in the fridge? ›

Cool the toffee, uncovered, in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until it hardens. Then, pull out the baking sheet, and twist it slightly to dislodge the toffee in one piece. Place a sheet of wax paper on the top of the toffee, and then gently flip it over on the baking sheet.

What is the shelf life of homemade toffee? ›

In general, toffee has a relatively long shelf life because sugar acts as a natural preservative. When properly stored in a cool, dry place and kept in an airtight container or packaging, toffee can typically remain safe to eat for several months to a year or even longer.

What candy can you put in the freezer? ›

I personally like to put Reese's cups, Reese's Pieces, plain M&M's, York Peppermint Patties, Snickers, Twix, and Milky Way in the freezer before I eat them. Something about cold chocolate takes me to my happy place.

Why does Enstrom's toffee need to be refrigerated? ›

In the case of Enstrom Toffee, there is apparently so much butter in their recipe that they require their sealed boxes to be stored in refrigeration or a freezer.

References

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